Winemakers’ festival expected to attract crowd

CENTRAL Victorian wine fans will mark one of the most traditional celebrations on the calendar tomorrow, at the Strategem Bendigo Winemakers Festival.

The annual event at Castlemaine Botanical Gardens is expected to draw about 2000 people to sample local produce and the finest wines from across the region.

About 21 wineries from the Bendigo region will be showcased on the day, alongside live music and food stalls.

One of the event’s organisers, Robyn Lougoon from Connor Park winery, said it was a day wine enthusiasts looked forward to all year.

She said the event attracted people from all across the country to sample local wines.

“People come from far and wide, it’s a great chance to hear about the latest vintage firsthand,” she said.

Bendigo Winegrowers Association president Bill Blamires said the event highlighted the best of the region’s wineries. “It’s always a great day out,” he said. “People specifically come in for the wine, we get a lot of people coming up from Melbourne on the train. It’s one of the best days on the calendar.”

Free buses will operate between Bendigo and Castlemaine and free home delivery courtesy of Fastway Couriers will be available for wine purchases of more than six bottles.

Locally-produced food will also be available at a variety of stalls throughout the event from 11am to 5pm.

Mrs Lougoon said this year’s event was more family-oriented with face-painting, an Easter egg hunt and kid’s performer Tim Tim providing entertainment.